Macedonia News, October 29, 2010

It is with such a heavy heart that I write the news today. Such a tragedy has struck our community. A local teacher, Melissa Childress, passed away on Oct. 24. She touched so many lives at West Union, and she was dearly loved by her students. Currently she was teaching fifth grade, but she had also taught 7th and 8th grade math and algebra. Our hearts go out to her two sons, Ross and Adam. Remember these boys as they face the lonely days ahead. May God comfort them during this very difficult time.

Sadness is present in the Hargrove home as well. Mary and John Edd Hargrove’s niece, Janet Gaines passed away on Oct. 23. Christopher Hargrove flew in from Las Vegas to attend the funeral on Tuesday.

Our thoughts also go out to Jerry, Terri, and Timothy Stevens in the loss of Jerry’s father, Ralph Stevens. The Stevens family has lost two precious members within the last year, and we know they would appreciate your prayers for them.

Raymond Owen came home and stayed for a week. He returned to Memphis for further treatment. Raymond wasn’t able to attend church because of his low counts due to chemo.

We are happy to report that Kerri Bridges is improving.

Stephen Harrell had a mild heart attack last week. He had to spend two nights in the Tupelo Hospital. Hopefully Stephen’s medicine will be able to control his blood pressure which keeps trying to get higher an higher. Stephen and his wife Ginger are such a help with our singing at Macedonia, and we miss them terribly when they are unable to attend.

Mrs. Opal Russell has been moved to Sunshine Inn in Myrtle. We hope she will adjust to her new home. Mrs. Opal is the mother of Charlotte Garrison and Barry Russell.

Two Macedonia members had surgery this past week: Ronnie Metts on Tuesday and James Ryder on Wednesday. We send speedy recover wishes to both of these men.

Angela Fair, Kathryn Henderson, Delores Douglass, and I attended the E Women conference in Tupelo on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23. Newsong and MercyMe led the singing, and they lifted the rafters in praise to Jesus. Speakers were Chonda Pierce, Stormie Omartian, Angela Thomas, Sheri Rose Shepherd, and Lysa TerKeurst. We all received inspirational messages and uplifting encouragements for our daily walk with Christ.

Thought for the week: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. H e makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for You are with me; yoru rod and your staff – they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 NRSV